I agree with what you guys are saying - if you manage your own development environment then knowing things like how the transaction log works is a good idea, so...

The errata for the blue MS Press book is http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968609

The errata for the red Real MCTS book is http://www.elsevierdirect.com/companion.jsp?ISBN=9781597494205

Believe they're the only two available at the moment.

I've got copies of both of them. I prefer the red "Real MCTS" guide as it seems to have fewer errors in...

For SQL Server 2005 MCTS Implementation Maintenance (exam 70-431) covers both Administration and Developer material.

For SQL Server 2008 they have separated the material into two exams, one for Implementation (exam...

The blue MS Training Kit comes with an electronic version of the book. The red Real Prep Kit doesn't.

Matt Miller (7/27/2009)

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mike brockington (7/27/2009)

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There is an additional issue here, which I don't think has been touched on in this thread, which is that major printing houses can abuse this...

I guess I read only about 5 books a year, and one or two might be technical. I really should up this as I enjoy reading.

I still prefer to read...

The MCDBA was for SQL Server 2000, but it's a bit late to be doing that. The starting point now is an MCTS instead. Your options for your first exam...

I've been using http://www.amazon.co.uk/Real-MCTS-Server-2008-70-433/dp/1597494216/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246958227&sr=8-5

I've read through it once already and it seems pretty good. Although it's called a prep kit, it doesn't come with a CD or anything,...

Thanks for the comment Steve. My intention was to read a couple other books before deciding which certification to go for, but now decided to go for the 70-433 qualification...

Hi David,

I've just bought a copy of this book and am in the process of reading it. My initial thoughts are as follows:-

Downside

* a few inconsistencies and spelling errors, but...

Interesting editorial. As someone looking for work (in the UK), I am looking mainly at http://www.reed.co.uk (which tells you the number of people who have applied),

Hi Mike,

The training kit for 70-431 has a long errata list - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920926/en-us

Personally, I think it will be easier to go for the 2008 MCTS exam as it's...

The only thing I can see is "The Real MCTS SQL Server 2008 Exam 70-432 Prep Kit" by Mark Horninger, but it's not due out until 22nd May.

I've read through the book now. Apart from the issues already mentioned, I've found it a bit inconsistent in it's presentation and the chapters could be in a better order...